1. Cities, States, and Unequal Societies
First Civilizations
Cities, States, and Unequal Societies

2. Stonehenge 2500 BCE
What can you assume about this society??

3. “To produce works like these, a civilization needed…”
Pyramids at Giza Harappa

4. When and where did the first civilizations emerge?
What accounts for initial breakthrough to civilization?
What was the role of cities in the early civilizations?
In what ways was social inequality expressed in early civilizations?
What are some explanations for the origins of patriarchy?
What were the sources of state authority in the first civilizations?

5. A. Emergence of Civilization
Civilization was a global phenomenon
Earliest civilizations
BCE-Sumer, Mesopotamia
Nile River Valley, Egypt
BCE-Indus Valley, present day Pakistan
2200 BCE- First Chinese Dynasty
Relied on highly productive agriculture
Population density created competition less land available, losers absorbed as lower class
Urban revolution
Cities at the heart of the first civilizations (political, economic, and cultural centers)
Greater specialization led to inequality

6. B. Erosion of Equality Hierarchies of class
Vast inequalities in wealth, status, and power
Major turning point in history
Upper class: greater wealth, avoided physical labor, finest goods, top political, military, and religious positions, distinguished by clothing, burials, treatment under the law
Free commoners: majority of population: artisans, lower-level officials, soldiers and police, servants, and farmers
Slaves: POWs, criminals, debtors, work in fields, mines, shops, sometimes sacrificed, varied from place to place, differed from American slavery (children of slaves were free, not primarily agricultural force,, not defined by race or color of skin)

7. Sumerian Classes
War Peace
Standard of Ur

8. Hierarchies of Gender Undermined earlier, more equal relationships
Patriarchy gradually emerged in first civilizations
More intensive agriculture plows and large herds
Product of growing social complexity
Men less important to household=available to assume power
Used authority to shape values and practices=benefits males at expense of females
Increased warfare
Association of women with nature due to reproduction
Private property and commerce--> female slaves, concubines, and wives part of exchange

9. C. The Rise of States States central to stability of civilizations
Coercion and consent
Coordinated and organized: public works, defense
Served upper class: protection of privileges, requirements of farmers to give up portion of products, demanding labor
Force when needed but no always needed ordained by GODS known as DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS
Writing and accounting
Accurate records, calendars, prestigious job for elite, standardize weights, propaganda
Functions beyond state: literature, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and history
Grandeur of kings
Source of authority, temples, dress, elaborate burials